Can hydrogen fuel cells solve the transition to greener logistics?
As the pressure mounts to decarbonise the freight sector, hydrogen fuel cell trucks are gaining traction as a serious contender for long-haul, heavy-duty logistics. With net zero targets on the horizon and diesel bans approaching, operators are weighing up the long-term viability of hydrogen-powered transport, particularly for use cases where battery-electric solutions struggle to keep pace.
Why hydrogen fuel cell trucks matter in freight decarbonisation
While battery-electric vehicles are progressing in urban logistics, they remain less suited to high-mileage, high-load operations that demand longer range and quick refuelling. Hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks (FCETs) offer both, producing only water vapour at the tailpipe.
Their potential has been recognised in the UK’s long-term strategy with the government’s infrastructure roadmap for zero-emission HGVs explicitly supporting hydrogen as part of the mix.
Long-haul viability of hydrogen fuel cell trucks
Hydrogen FCETs are particularly well-suited to long-haul logistics because they deliver fast refuelling for quick turnaround periods and consistent range. Unlike battery-electric trucks, which require large, heavy battery packs with long charging times, fuel cell trucks allow high utilisation and avoid payload trade-offs.
Recent analysis by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) shows that hydrogen fuel cell trucks could reach cost parity with diesel in the UK by 2030, provided green hydrogen is priced around €5/kg.
This makes them especially attractive for fleet operators managing time-sensitive long-distance routes. We explore this dynamic further in our article, “PEM Fuel Cells vs Batteries for Electric Vehicles”.
Real-world trials of hydrogen fuel cell HGVs
In Europe, the H2Haul project is demonstrating hydrogen fuel cell trucks in live logistics use, with partners like DHL and BMW Group. These trucks are running regular routes between Leipzig and Nuremberg, supported by dedicated hydrogen refuelling stations.
In the UK, government-backed trials are underway as part of the Zero Emission Road Freight Demonstrations (ZERFD), supported by £140 million in funding. These projects are key to understanding how hydrogen trucks can function at scale across Britain’s haulage networks.
Intelligent Energy, in partnership with Viritech and HORIBA MIRA, have developed a commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell suitable for heavy goods vehicles. Project ICEBreaker was an effort to develop a lighter, more efficient hydrogen fuel cell to power 44-tonne HGVs with zero-emissions.
UK hydrogen infrastructure for heavy goods vehicles
While hydrogen has technical viability, infrastructure remains a challenge. The UK currently has under a dozen public hydrogen refuelling stations, which is far from sufficient for a national fleet of fuel cell HGVs.
The H2Accelerate UK policy paper outlines a roadmap to 2035 that would see around 250 refuelling stations deployed to support 10,000 hydrogen trucks. Each station would need to handle at least 1 tonne of hydrogen per day to ensure reliability.
This aligns with EU-wide standards under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), which calls for station spacing of ~200 km on core freight corridors.
Total cost of ownership and operational efficiency
Hydrogen fuel cell trucks offer key operational advantages. They refuel in minutes, allow round trips from central depots, and don’t require the overnight downtime typically seen in battery recharging. This is especially valuable in logistics sectors where tight schedules and high daily mileage are present.
For return-to-base operations, on-site hydrogen production can be integrated with depot-level storage and fuelling infrastructure. This closed-loop system reduces reliance on national refuelling networks and offers greater cost control.
These themes are also explored in our blog on “Automotive Fuel Cells – The Future of Vehicle Sustainability”.
Government policy and regulation for hydrogen trucks
UK regulators are laying the groundwork for hydrogen deployment. The UK Hydrogen Strategy recognises the role of hydrogen in decarbonising hard-to-electrify sectors. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is actively involved in ensuring safe deployment of hydrogen technologies, treating hydrogen similarly to other flammable gases under DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations).
Supporting this framework, research from the National Composites Centre and the Connected Places Catapult reinforces the critical role of hydrogen in decarbonising long-haul freight.
What’s next for hydrogen trucks in the UK?
While hydrogen trucks are not yet mainstream, momentum is building. As green hydrogen production scales and infrastructure expands, the cost gap with diesel is narrowing. National policies, funding support, and cross-sector coordination will all be essential to accelerate deployment.
As outlined in our article, “Zero Emission Vehicles: What Are the Options in 2025?”, the 2020s are a pivotal decade for clean transport. Hydrogen fuel cell trucks will play a vital role, especially in segments where batteries fall short.
Hydrogen fuel cell trucks offer a powerful route to decarbonising the freight sector. Their ability to deliver long range, fast refuelling and zero tailpipe emissions positions them as a natural successor to diesel for long-haul transport.
As infrastructure develops and costs fall, hydrogen’s role in heavy-duty logistics will only grow. With the right policy support and investment, the UK can lead in deploying fuel cell trucks that meet the operational demands of freight without compromising on sustainability.
To explore the future of hydrogen across other transport modes, see our insights on urban mobility and sustainable aviation.
Frequently asked questions about hydrogen fuel cell trucks
Still have questions about hydrogen fuel cell trucks and their role in the future of freight? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, answered.
Are hydrogen fuel cell trucks safe?
Yes. Hydrogen fuel cell trucks are subject to rigorous safety standards, including those under the UK’s DSEAR regulations (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations). Hydrogen is flammable, but it disperses quickly and burns with less radiant heat than petrol, reducing the risk of secondary fires. Modern fuel cell vehicles are designed with robust leak detection, pressure control, and automatic shutdown systems.
How far can hydrogen fuel cell trucks travel on a single tank?
Fuel cell trucks typically achieve ranges of over 300 miles (approx. 480 km) per refuelling, depending on load and drive cycle. Some next-generation models are expected to exceed 500 miles, making them ideal for long-haul and high-duty logistics routes.
How long does it take to refuel a hydrogen truck?
Hydrogen trucks can be refuelled in about 10-15 minutes (comparable to diesel) making them far more time-efficient than battery-electric trucks for long-distance transport, which often require several hours to recharge.
Is there hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in the UK?
Infrastructure is currently limited but growing. As of 2025, fewer than 15 public hydrogen stations exist in the UK, but the H2Accelerate programme outlines plans for around 250 high-capacity stations along major freight routes by 2035 to support fleet-scale operations.
How do hydrogen fuel cell trucks compare to battery-electric trucks?
Battery-electric trucks are well suited for urban and regional routes but face limitations in range and charging times. Hydrogen fuel cell trucks offer longer range and quicker refuelling, making them better suited to long-haul and high-utilisation use cases. See our blog on PEM fuel cells vs batteries for a deeper comparison.
When will hydrogen trucks become commercially viable?
Hydrogen trucks are already in limited commercial use across Europe. According to the ICCT, fuel cell trucks could reach total cost of ownership parity with diesel trucks in the UK by around 2030, especially with favourable hydrogen pricing and government support.
If you’d like to discuss your business’ requirements for automotive fuel cells or learn more about how hydrogen fuel cell trucks can support your decarbonisation goals, please fill out our contact form. Our team would be happy to help!